The 20 secrets of vintage design

The smell of old books, the glow of tarnighed silver, the fraying of vintage tapestry… revel in the memory of grander days with design advice from the experts.

1. Pick up fabrics on your travels, selecting weaves indigenous to the region. At the moment I’m partial to ikat from Uzbekistan. Upholster one statement chair, and it’ll become the big draw of the room.

2. Add texture to a wall by layering on plaster of Paris. Don’t paint over it—let the strokes show through and add character. — Ashiesh Shah, interior designer

3. In the late 19th century, prisoners in Agra and Gwalior learnt carpet weaving from Persian artisans while they languished in their cells. These rare ‘jail’ carpets bring a layer of history to your space.

4. Invest in an F&C Osler chandelier, created by the leading chandelier manufacturer of the 19th century. Nothing says old-world beauty like this. — Abha Narain Lambah, conservation architect

5. Choose a carved mahogany sofa; or if your space is too small for one, throw some cushions covered in faded fabrics on to your couch. Brocades are evocative of Indian grandeur, while chintzes—though they originated in India—evoke a European style.

6 Take your grandmother’s traditional sari—with dull gold accents or an exquisite pallu—and hang it on a rod as a drape.

8. Light up a formal dinner party with antique Victorian candelabras in varying sizes.

9. A collection of tarnished silver picture frames in different shapes with delicate engravings gives a vintage accent to any room. Slide in black-and-white family photographs, and set them on a console. —Arati Juneja, interior designer

10. Allow an antique mirror frame to take pride of place on a stark wall. — Sunil Jasani, interior designer

11. Tile your floors in the traditional Athangudi style from Chettinad. These intricate fl oral- and geometric-patterned tiles in shades of red and burgundy originated in Germany and found their way into the homes of affluent Chettinars about 200 years ago. — Usha Thiruvudayan, arts and crafts revivalist

12. Semiprecious stones and a hint of gold in accessories can bring a touch of lived-in grandeur. Consider bold metal vases and cutlery as well.

16. Frame a large, old map—the older, the better. It’ll sit particularly well in a study. — Priya Aga, architect

17. Look through your kitchen shelves. Find old brass vessels that have developed a patina and use them as showpieces around the house. Float fl owers and candles in large stone grinders or brass and copper urlis.

18. Old homes in Gujarat are fi lled with intricately carved and painted ceilings. Restore one of these and fit it with tiny LEDs to create highlights. — Anand Gandhi, Chiki Doshi and Asim Doshi, House of Mahendra Doshi Restorateurs

19. Faded grandeur is not as much about a look as it is about a narrative. It’s about what connects with you. Fill your space with objects and artefacts that evoke nostalgia. — Ambrish Arora, architect

20. Stack up books you’ve inherited or look out for them at flea markets— you’ll be surprised at what you find. If you have old books but don’t want to shelve them or pile them up, turn them into an interesting book sculpture. — Aditi Babel, graphic designer

OLD ROMANCE

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